Weight control and regular exercise as approved by a physician may help prevent osteoarthritis (OA). Practicing good posture and ergonomics and reducing the risk of trauma with safety precautions such as seat belts and athletic equipment may also help.

Some evidence suggests that diet can play a preventive role in OA. In North Carolina, the Johnson County Osteoarthritis Project, described as the largest and longest-term investigation of its kind, found that participants with high amounts of the mineral selenium had less knee OA than people lacking selenium. Selenium is found naturally in soil and in foods grown in soil but varies widely by location. It is also found in seafood, chicken and other meats and is available in supplements.

A deficiency of vitamin K has also been found in people suffering OA. Sources of vitamin K include leafy green vegetables, canola oil, soybean oil and olive oil.

It may also help not to use tobacco. It may also help not to use tobacco. Some research has linked smoking to increased severity of OA.